Pres. Congratulates Malawi on 54th Independence.

What is today Malawi came under British control in 1891, and it was named the colony of 'Nyasaland' in 1907. After World War II, the desire for self-rule grew all over Africa, and a 'Nyasaland African Congress' was formed to promote independence.

However, what is today Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe were all combined into a single confederated colony under British supervision in 1953. This move proved unpopular and only spurred on the independence movement in Malawi, despite the fact that limited autonomy had been granted to the new 'mega-colony'.

Finally, the 'Central African Federation' broke apart in 1963, making Nyasaland a separate colony again. In 1964, the country declared its independence and renamed itself 'Malawi'.

To the Malawian President, His Excellency Mr. Peter Mutharika, President Weah extended warmest congratulations to the Government and People of Malawi on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia.

It gives me immense pleasure, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Liberia and in my own name, to extend best wishes to you and through you to the Government and people of the Republic of Malawi,' President Weah stated.

The Liberian Leader further told President Mutharika that as they both work together in furtherance of the principles of the African Union and the United Nations aimed at promoting peace, security and cooperation, he prayed that the Almighty God will continue to endow his Malawian counterpart with abundant wisdom and strength as he continues to lead his compatriots to greater prosperity.